Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages, Mazzard Farm, East Hill, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1AA

We (family with 2 kids, aged 2 ½ and 4) enjoyed a great time at Mazzard Farm. Jacqueline and Ruud were extremely friendly hosts and did everything to make our stay unforgetable. The cottages are really nice and we felt very comfortable. Stayed in Pippin Cottage and can recommend it as its location was excellent. Mazzard Farm offers so much for kids (playgrounds, animals, woodlands, patio, a lot of toys etc.). The area around Mazzard Farm is beautiful and there is plenty to do (enjoyed Escot, Bicton, Beer, Lyme Regis, Donkey Sanctuary and Branscombe the most).

Mazzard farm is a great place to stay especially if you have children. The play area is great and was perfect for our 3 year old, it includes a trampoline and climbing frame. Our daughter also enjoyed being able to feed the chickens and goats each day. The accommodation is very modern and really warm, and appreciated all of the extras such as baby monitor, potty etc. there are plenty of places nearby to visit including some beautiful beaches. we will definitely revisit this property.

Mazzard farm is a great place to stay especially if you have children. The play area is great and was perfect for our 3 year old, it includes a trampoline and climbing frame. Our daughter also enjoyed being able to feed the chickens and goats each day. The accommodation is very modern and really warm, and appreciated all of the extras such as baby monitor, potty etc. there are plenty of places nearby to visit including some beautiful beaches. we will definitely revisit this property.

We required accommodation at short notice to visit our daughter who lives in Ottery St Mary but has no room to put us up. She could not come home for xmas as she had to go into hospital for treatment on xmas eve. We found Mazzard Farm on the web 4 dyas prior to xmas and were so welcomed by Ruud that we booked immediately and were very pleased that we did. We spent a lovely xmas with our daughter in Damson cottage and would happily recommend Mazzard Farm to anyone.

We were very lucky to find Mazzard Farm and get a last minute booking on a very wet Saturday in July due to a cancellation. Ruud and Jacqueline couldn\'t have been more helpful and welcoming, the other guests, also international couples with kids, were very freindly, and the location beautiful. It almost made me believe in communes! [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

We booked only 2 days before as it was a last-minute decision to go on a short holiday (7 days). The Mazzard Farm team made everything easy for us and sent a really good e-brochure of what there is to do when we get there. The cottage we stayed in was perfect for us (2 adults, 2 children) and the facilities were all very good. After receiving a warm welcome upon arrival and a show and tell of the place, our children were let loose on the range of toys in a very safe and secure play area. There is a lot of space for them to play in and some good facilities including a field, goals, climbing frame, swing, trampoline, nature walks, swimming pool - and that's for just when you are onsite. Locally, you are in range of loads of attractions, theme parks and beaches. A thoroughly brilliant week had by all.

Another amazing time at Mazzard Farm. Even the weather couldn\'t spoil our stay (it tried!). We explored new places (Bicton Park and the Dawlish train loop is a must). Our 3 children immediately made friends and were free to roam the courtyard full of toys and games. We stayed in Quarenden this year and loved it - each of the cottages are incredibly well appointed and the owners are on site to make recommendations for everything from restaurants to cycle routes. We\'ll be back next year - for sure!

Our Family stay at Mazzards Farm was TRULY GREAT. From my initial enquiry of accommodating 3 generations and their sleeping requirements, the whole booking process and communication to the welcome on arrival was very friendly and efficient. We had 3 cottages which worked out great, even better when we could all divide the cooking of the Christmas Lunch. The cottages were lovely, clean, very warm, cosy, modern with character. They were fully equipped and plenty of hot water too. We were free to enjoy children\\\'s play area, the grounds and forest walk which were enjoyed by all. The farm has additional facilities with the laundry and a good selection of DVDs to keep anyone entertained. We were left to our own devices, but it was nice to know that the owners were on site if we had needed any assistance.

My whole family enjoyed themselves and we have all said we would love to go back and stay again one day. Thank you again to Ruud and his family. Sandra and the Family.

What a wonderful place to stay. Mazzard farm ticked every box and more! The owners were incredibly helpful even to the point of mowing the football pitch on christmas eve! The space for the children was great which kept them out of the way as we cooked christmas dinner for us all using three kitchens. The connecting properties were perfect. We had plenty of space and everything that we needed. Our children ranged from 14 month twins to 8 and they had space as well as comfort. Everything that you need for babies was available steriliser, monitor, cots, highchairs and even pushchairs if you desired. For the older children there were bikes and trikes dvds books and plenty of space. This meant we didn't have to waste space packing up the whole of our house to cater for the children!

Thank you for a joyous christmas and I have already passed the name on to several of my friends.

We were so excited to have discovered Mazzard farm. Our break in Pippin Cottage couldn't have been better - it was incredibly well designed and comfortable and the owners have thought of every last detail. From the minute we arrived we felt relaxed and that is in a large part down to the wonderful welcome that we got from the owners...which included delicious homemade scones! Our kids loved the freedom that Mazzard Farm offers and looked forward every morning to their visit to the chicken's pen to discover the eggs! We will definitely be back.

Mazzard farm offers a truly fantastic break for those with a family. the cottages are very spacious, clean and wonderfully catered with everything you could possibly need for a short break or a longer stay. In fact we enjoyed ourselves so much we stayed longer than planned!

Ruud and Jacqueline offer so many home comfort from everything provided for your little ones on your arrival, a wealth of toys that the children can borrow on their stay to delicious homemade goodies like home pressed apple juice and even soaps! (incidently the soap is great for dry skin!)

The location is great being a short distance from the beaches, charming villages, some good pubs and all the lovely local butchers and bakers you could possibly need.

Family attractions are also within good distance and Mazzard farm provide all of the information you will need to organise a fun packed stay.

We can not recommend these holiday cottages enough and can not wait to return!

Our stay at Muzzard Farm was truely brilliant. Our cottage (Pippin) was lovely and really well equipped. We didn't have particularly good weather but the toys and trampoline etc kept the children happy anyway and the local beaches and towns are great - our personal favourites were Lyme Regis and Beer. The hosts, Ruud and Jacqueline, couldn't have been more helpful and the information they provided both before and during our stay was exceptional. Would thoroughly recommend Muzzard Farm for a holiday and we hope to be returning next year.

We had a great time at Mazzard Farm. The cottages are very well appointed and the fixtures and fittings are modern and well looked after. There is plenty to do nearby, we had fantastic weather and were able to go to local beaches and have family days out all within a short drive of Mazzard Farm. The children loved it ages 8, 5 and 1 and there was plenty to do on site as well, climbing frame, bikes, chickens!, a trampoline as well as walking around the grounds and chatting to new friends who were staying at the farm. We would really recommend this luxury family friendly self catering break.

We had a 1 week stay in Pippin cottage. Overall we had a lovely holiday. Mazzard Farm is great place for both children and adults. The cottage was equipped to a high standard and we were made to feel very welcome. Good location, only 20 mins drive to Sidmouth and 25 mins to Beer. We will definitely go back.

Mazzard Farm is just the perfect place for a family holiday. Our 5 year old made friends with the other children her age (which we loved) and our 16m old had the best time using the outdoor toys in the courtyard. We loved spending time in the cottage - very cosy and a home-from-home feeling. A tad warm in August but no big deal. Steve and Delia looked after us while Ruud and Jac were on holiday themselves and couldn't have been more hospitable. Loved the welcoming scones and jam. The facilities are great - 2 climbing frames, trampoline, indoor and outdoor toys, chickens, rabbit, 2 guinea pigs, raspberries to pick, fenced pond, woodland trail, washing machine, DVDs, freezer food, beauty treatments, personal chef, babysitting, supermarket deliveries - the list is endless. There are so many great days out to choose from that you simply will not have the time to get through them all, no matter how hard you try. Mazzard is a very special place and we would most definitely recommend it. [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

Just home from a weeks hols at Mazzard Farm in the Quarandean Cottage. This holidays was food for the soul and a bit for the waist as well!! Every aspect of your stay is catered for to the highest of standards. scones, clotted cream and jam on arrival. full tour, homemade soap and shampoo, full laundry, full freezer of goodies to purchase if required. Needless to say we has a lot pain au chocolat for breakfast!! Entire gardens are kids heaven. Very safe, fab location to a host of things to see. I wonder how we will find somewhere as good as it to go on hols next year, might just go back to Mazzard Farm again.It is a fab place to go. [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

We've just returned from our 3rd visit to Mazzard farm. We had a lovely week in Pippin cottage despite terrible July weather. Our two boys loved the farm with it's great open spaces an abundance of toys. The cottages are extremely comfortable and equipped to a high standard. We found plenty of things to do in the surrounding area - the firm favourite was the beach a Sidmouth.

A fantastic place to stay. We were with our 6 month old baby for our first holiday together and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We felt that everything we needed was covered, from providing us with all the baby equipment we needed (we took the car-free option!) to making us feel as though we were having a luxury break (the personal chef service provided by Anne is well worth trying and next time I will try the pampering treatments also available). There are lots of things for children to do but Mazzard Farm cleverly maintains a very relaxing environment for the parents. We stayed in Russet cottage which was furnished and kitted out to a very high spec and I loved the handmade soap and shampoo. Ruud and Jacqueline and very welcoming hosts who have found exactly the right balance of being warm and friendly but not in any way intrusive. We'll be back!

Fantastic break - we loved Mazzard Farm and would definitely recommend it. Cottages are stylishly yet comfortably kitted out and v. well maintained. The grounds are amazing - huge gardens for football, open fire, rabbit and guinea-pig petting. And extensive, beautiful private woodlands right behind the garden.

Ruud and Jack really have thought through the whole holiday experience - these aren't just converted cottages arranged around a courtyard. There's a wonderfully understated and unforced community feel to the whole place. Fresh and frozen food with honesty box. Bookcase full of novels & DVDs to borrow. A detailed, and personally researched guide to the area (we were so glad we took Ruud's recommendation to visit Beer).

And without wearing it as a badge of honour, the farm is clearly run on ecologically sound principles - biomass boiler, local produce, 'green' soaps, and everything gets either recycled or eaten by the chickens.

We loved it. And our kids (at 10 & 7 perhaps a bit above the target age) had a great time exploring, playing with Jasmijn & Amber.

We love quiet getaways, and did wonder how being in a cottage next door to the owners would work. There's a fine balance between obtrusive, in-your-face service, and not being available. Ruud & Jack are shining examples of this balance - warm, friendly, instantly likeable.

Perfect holiday.

We have just returned from a wonderful, last minute long weekend in Medlar Cottage, the booking made at 8pm the night before our arrival, but handled seamlessly by email from Ruud. And what a wonderful place! An incredibly cosy and comfortable, stylish and eco friendly cottage in a truly peaceful and magical place. Terrific for families, but equally wonderful as a getaway for couples and friends. From thick luxury towels to soft white bed linen, everything we would like for our own home was here. We couldn't decide whether we just wanted to stay in the cottage and chill out, or venture out on the many trips you can make from here. Whatever you decide, this place is difficult to tear yourselves away from. Check out their website - I can't recommend Mazzard Farm highly enough, we're already planning a return visit!

We stay in the two interconnecting units, Quarenden and Damson -Excellent entertaining area for a group. Decorated to a very high standard, equipped with everything you need, all my ladies were very impressed. Modern decoration and spacious but maintianing a cozy cottage feel.

Ruud was very helpful before I booked, after I'd paid and during our stay.

Little touches like sending direction, taxi numbers and a guide to devon via email. Accepting our online supermarket shop for us, unpacking it and putting it away. Home made scones with jam and cream on arrival.

Driving distance to the beach and Exeter city centre (with taxi's that drop and pick up at a very good price) Beautiful walks on your doorstep.

I can't fault our stay... Ruud and family were exceptionally helpful and accommodating and the cottages and grounds are stunning. Great for families and groups, they think of loads of little thing, like offering games for children, to make your stay easy. A bonus for me as well were their efforts to be environmentally friendly and support local businesses.

I would go again!!! I can't thank them enough for helping the weekend run so smoothly!! :)

What a lovely place to stay. Our cottage was very comfortable and had everything we needed.In fact our 20 month old Grandaughter was very much at home being able to roam safely and use the variety of indoor and outdoor toys available. The Environmental friendliness of the place is amazing. We would definately stay again. S, T, J, R and A.

This is the second time we have stayed at Mazzard in Quarenden Cottage. The owners are extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful. The cottage is lovely though the bedrooms are small and rather warm in August!The gardens are beautiful and perfect for children - exciting but safe - and quiet and relaxing for adults. Highly recommended.

The Russett cottage was spotlessly clean and although it slept 4, we would opt for a larger one next time (2 adults and 2 young children)- a very minor comment. Our hosts were fantastic, there was so much to do actually on the farm that our children couldn't wait to get back to play there. There is a strong Eco theme, which pleased us as there was Eco washing up liquid, toilet cleaner etc. so no need to bring your own. Fab goodies in the freezer (Pain Au Chocolat and Croissants) and produce from the farm such as tomatoes, jam and chutneys. I LOVED the way you just took what you want and then left your payment in a little pot in the laundry room. You are met by a sign which says 'Children at play' to ensure you don't drive into the courtyard area, and this then ensures that they are truly safe outside and free to use the bikjes, trikes and scooters. A really family and Eco friendly place which oozes charm and is a reflection of just how much the owners Ruud and Jacqueline care about their cottages.

Gorgeous accommodation - great style and great standard. Beautifully-kitted out and the home-made scones on arrival were a truly lovely touch!

My husband and I stayed in Bramley which is a very spacious cottage for 2 people. We could have had another two people joining us as there is a sofa bed.

All the rooms are ample, have good storage and everything we wanted. It is a light, bright and sunny cottage. [Added at Editor's discretion]

We spent the May bank holiday weekend staying in Russett cottage which was perfect for a short break. The cottage is welcoming and cosy with all the facilities you could possibly want.

I think if you were going for a week you may want to consider booking one of the larger properties as you have a little more storage space and the advantage of a dishwasher!

Our children had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the freedom and safe environment that Mazzard Farm so perfectly provides.

Rudd the owner has produced a guide to the area which was fantastic and came in very handy for child friendly restaurants, days out etc.

I could write so much more but really to sum it up GO YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. We will definitely return.

We stayed in Bramley Cottage which was very well presented and set in beautiful surroundings. The gardens and courtyard were charming, an absolutely perfect location for families as there are plenty of toys and safe play areas.

We stayed in Russett Cottage, a lovely 2 bed, superbly finished, comfortable and cosy conversion. Idyllic surroundings with plenty of facilities for those with children. The local village caters for everything you need for self catering & only 5 minutes drive away. A great base for days out as easy access to main routes with Mazzard Farm being nicely tucked away so to enjoy the peace and quiet. Highly recommend for both couples and families with a guaranteed warm welcome from your hosts.

A beautiful barn conversion, fully equipped and very clean. One of the most wonderful family holidays we have ever had, so much time and thought has been put into all the childrens enjoyment; the trampoline, the freely accesible bikes and toys, sandpits, play areas and chickens to feed, leaving parents time to sit and relax in the beautiful surroundings. We will definately visit again!

We stayed in Bramble Cottage - the smallest of the cottages - it was clean & well equipped & spaceous. The bedroom was huge with french windows that gave a view of the gardens & the bed provided pocket-sprung comfort. The outdoor space is brilliant for kids - we hadn't expected quite the number of toddlers around in the communal gardens (which is a positive for families as all the children seemed to get on together), though there is a small patio area with table/chairs & barbequeue for personal use outside the cottage.

We would highly recommend Mazzard Farm.This is our second stay and we shall be back! Ruud and Jack made us so welcome with warm scones,cream and jam on our arrival,great advise on days out whilst we there to a cheery farewell-all very personal and professional.It is a complete hit with the kids with a wonderful courtyard,play areas,wood and orchard to play in and make friends in.To have that safe and free environment is a gift that money cannot buy! Great accommodation too with a wood burner to take the chill off those early spring evenings.Musn't forget to mention fresh eggs,croissants and pastries evry day-be prepared to put on a few pounds! [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

We stayed in both Quarenden and Damson cottages as they interconnect and this was perfect for our large family. The finish on the cottages is superb with all safety aspects carefully thought of. A very warm welcome from the owners and the courtyard and grounds a paradise for the kids. Convenient for all the local attractions and quiet enough for a really relaxing break. An onsite therapist, a definate bonus!

A really lovely place to stay if you have children. We couldn't drag our toddler away from all the toys provided, and he loved the trampoline, slide, chickens, rabbit and guinea pigs. Ruud and Jack are extremely friendly and helpful hosts, and give the feeling that nothing is too much trouble - they want you to enjoy your holiday as much as you do! We stayed in one of the smallest cottages, which was extremely compact but provided everything you need in a self-catering property. Book a bigger one though if you're staying for a week or more and would like lots of kitchen storage space, but it's perfect for a short break. Great to have bread, pastries and meat on site for purchase.

We stayed for a week in Quarenden with our 2 boys aged 2 and 3. It was a fantastic place to stay. The cottage itself is beautifully done - good kitchen, lovely bathrooms, high quality sheets and towels etc. I consider myself veering on the overly fussy when it comes to comfort and cleanliness and I was really happy there. Quarenden has more privacy than the cottages that open out on the courtyard but the front door is on a single track road, albeit an incredibly quiet one (in our time there, aside from the guests, we only saw a couple of cars go through). If you have toddlers you may prefer a courtyard cottage where you can just let the kids out of the door - these cottages are slightly smaller but look just as nice.

The grounds are great - my boys loved the climbing frames and other outside toys and every morning would have a walk through the magical woods in the grounds. It was also a great base from which to do day trips - we did a different one every day and didn't exhaust the possibilities. One of the best things about Mazzard is Ruud and Jack - they create a lovely atmosphere and are really relaxed but caring hosts. We'd definitely go back and would recommend without hesitation.

we had a fantastic week at mazzard farm. The accommodation is lovely, the owners are really friendly and helpful and they have loads of toys (indoors and out) and plenty of outdoor space for the kids to play in making it the perfect place for a family holiday.

This is a lovely place to spend a holiday. The cottages are beautifully finishes, and the location is idyllic. The cottages are nicely furnished and equipped, and there is lots of space for kids to play in and toys for them to play with. It's very close to the coast with lots of lovely villages and beaches to visit. The owners were extremely kind, friendly and helpful. [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has not been authenticated]

Beautifully clean, very well equipped place to stay. Great location for trips out and a really lovely setting for children to play and explore the natural world. If it s a good place to stay in December then I feel sure its even more beautiful in the summer.

Many criteria make this an exceptional place to stay. I'll just mention two.

First, it is located in a very peaceful and rural site, but the cottages are fully equipped, modern and warm, and make you feel at home (if not better). Among the facilities, you can buy some food from a freezer within the farm without having to drive to Ottery. In general, attention has been paid to details, be it inside the cottages or in the garden. For instance, there are facilities for people with children, which I personally consider a sign of quality, even though I do not have children.

Second, the whole place is managed in a responsible way, with many efforts to minimize the consequences of their activity for the environment. Yet this does not affect the tariff of the cottages, which remains very reasonable. I appreciated this apparently efficient form of "eco-tourism", which refuses to become a luxury and rather proposes a convincing alternative.

I was globally quite impressed by the amount of work that has been carried out in this place, moreover considering all the constraints that the owners imposed themselves to keep it green. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to discover East Devon (beautiful Sidmouth at 6 miles, the Dartmoor within a 30 min drive).

We have just returned from a fantastic weekend in Pippin cottage. The cottage was beautifully decorated and equipped with all the comforts of home. The under floor heating and wood burner were wonderful.

Our 21 month old fell in love with the great toys, especially the cosy tikes car which had much use over the weekend.

Despite the wind and rain we managed to visit many of the recommended local attractions - Bicton Park, Topsham, Escot and Charmouth beach. Sunday lunch at the Jack in the Green pub was good even with a toddler in tow.

A really nicely done conversion of a barn into holiday flats. Done to a nice spec, really good spaces. The location is lovely rural spot about 5 mins outside of Ottery St Mary. Lovely walks around. Very warm with log burner on. I would generally highly recomend it.

We loved staying here for a short weekend break in October 09. The owners made us feel very welcome, the accomodation was of a very high standard and had all the facilities that you could require. The site was particularly well catered for small children - before arrival Ruud asked us what we required in terms of equipment for the children, making the items we needed to pack a lot lower! and when we arrived there were lots of toys and play areas which my daughter loved. The location is lovely, and we will definately look to stay again.

What can i say? For a londoner from the east end, desperate to escape "the smoke" briefly, Mazzard Farm was the answer. Beautiful rolling landscape in the depths of East Devon was the backdrop for my wonderful mid-week break, monday 3pm to friday 11am, 12th - 16thth october 2009. Ruud and Jaqui were the perfect hosts with their two charming daughters, helpful to myself as a non-car-driver with lifts from and to my train station on the relevant days. The nearest small town Ottery-St.-Mary has all the necessary facilities, Coop supermarket, cafes, retaurants, chinese takeaway, hardware shop, tourist info. and bus links to Sidmouth and Exeter. "The Volunteer Inn" is a very cosy friendly local pub. From Sidmouth the 899 bus link to the seaside town of Beer is twice-a-day, and a must. The fishing boats at Beer drop their catch at the harbour fish-stall where customers can purchase fish landed 20 minutes earlier, practically still flopping around! The cottage, Russet cottage, has a proper wood fire stove, Mazzard farm providing limitless free-of-charge wood plus kindling. This is a real joy, bringing back my boy scout days. Locally produced soaps, "devon Naturals" [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

We have just returned from the most perfect week at Mazzard Farm. Certainly the best holiday I have had with kids in tow by a significant margin. I had begun to plot the return visit before the first one had even finished.

The location is great, far enough away from civilization for peace and quiet but close enough not to feel isolated. It never seemed to take more than 30 minutes to get to wherever we wanted to go.

The setting for the accomodation is also excellent. Amid some spectacular scenery, with extensive grounds and woodland which guests are encouraged to roam. It was great just to open the door and release the children into the courtyard to play with their new friends and not have to constantly keep an eye on them. There is plenty of play equipment and a large selection of outdoor toys to keep little ones busy should they ever tire of playing hide and seek or bouncing on the trampoline - which they don't.

The accomodation itself is of an excellent standard. Contemporary but comfortable. Luxurious without feeling like it's trying too hard to impress. The log burner was great. A truly usefully equipped kitchen in which one can actually cook a meal (by no means a foregone conclusion in other places in which we have stayed). Very comforatable beds. But it's the multitude of thoughtful touches that Ruud and Jack have introduced which makes the real difference for me. The cream tea that awaited us when we arrived, the communal freezer stacked full of locally produced goodies, the torch hung by the back door, the in-house guide to 'things to do in East Devon' which became our bible - the list goes on.

Also, Ruud and Jack are rightly proud of the level to which they have considered and minimised the environmental impact of the creation and ongoing operation of Mazzard Farm as a holiday destination. Truly impressive.

Suffice to say we'd have no hesitation in recommending Mazzard Farm to everyone.

Looking forward to our next zero-stress holiday at Mazzard Farm with great anticipation.

Neil, Emma, Owen & Rosie.

A really idyllic setting and beautiful cottages. Lovely and quiet and rural. We stayed in the cottage adjoining the farmhouse, which is wonderfully spacious and atmospheric. The private patio and adjoining garden were fantastic and our daughter (17 mths) adored the wealth of toys at her disposal - especially the trampoline, swings, slides, paddling pool and various ride-on toys. The hens and rabbit were a big excitement too.

Bramley cottage is wonderful, as long as you don't mind sharing a bedroom with your child (or sleeping on the sofa bed, which would be a shame as the main bed is SO comfortable and the sofa bed isn't). Also there is no bath, so if your child doesn't fit in the baby bath, you'll need to shower with them.

The kitchen has everything you need and there's also a great bbq. Also, loads of DVDs, games and books to choose from, or even better, they recommend babysitters if you fancy going out.

Finally, it's only 6 miles from the coast and there are also lots of fun things to do locally. I'd definitely recommend Escot, a lovely woodland place with animals and playgrounds - great for kids. [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

I couldn't imagine a better UK self-catering option for families with young children. We are already booking a second stay with some friends before Xmas.

Location - brilliant - lots and lots of good attractions to go to within a 30 min drive. We especially loved Pecorama, Beer, Escot and Sidmouth for the views at the top of the hill and the fish market. I loved the fact that if you didn't want to go far, you could also just go for a walk in the woods onsite and we happily spent a few hours doing this.

Accomodation - very nicely done. Every bit of baby / toddler equipment you need provided. Lots of indoor and outdoor toys to borrow, kids DVDs etc. Loved the freezer full of food too - had a few of the pastries for breakfast and a great BBQ with some of the meat from the farm next door. Obviously, great to have laundry facilities too.

Other - there are lots of great extra services you can use too such as complementary therapies (we didn't get round to this), personal chef (we did this on my husband's birthday and it was amazing and unbelievably good value for money), babysitter (we didn't use this but heard good things from some other guests who did).

Quite simply, Ruud and Jack have really thought of pretty much everything - from the moment you book and get their fab guide to the area until the moment you leave, it all feels just right. I think the friendly relaxed atmosphere they personally add with their welcome and readiness to answer any of your questions with very helpful answers is also a real bonus - especially given the immense amount of work that must have occurred and must still be occurring behind the scenes to make it as great as it is.

Highly recommended!

Really enjoyed our stay at Russet Cottage though would probably try and pay more to secure a bigger cottage next time just for the comfort of a bit more space. That said we loved the cottage and it's been finished to a high standard and the beds are very comfortable. I think the windows on the upper floors could benefit from child locks perhaps as a fair old drop to the courtyard!

But nit-picking aside this is a great place for families and our kids enjoyed the company, the grounds, the toys and all the superb places nearby to visit. The area has a very friendly vibe and most attractions are not over-commercialised (Bicton, Forde Abbey, Abbotsbury Gardens, Escot, Pecorama etc) which led to a really relaxed feel. Recommend checking local tide times as Sidmouth/Jacob's Ladder beaches excellent but not so great when tide is in!

Excellent - highly recommended. Very child-friendly with welcoming and informative hosts. The sleeping arrangements in the Cottage were a tight squeeze for 4 adults and 4 children, but we had been forewarned by Ruud when booking! However, downstairs area was very comfortable. Good location for exploring the surrounds but also lots to do on-site (courtyard, bbq, toys, playgrounds, walks, feeding the chickens, etc etc!). We look forward to Phase 2 with pool and spa!

Mazzard Farm is a wonderful place for a family holiday; plenty of safe play areas for our children and ideally situated to lots of fun places like Escot Park, Pecorama and of course the seaside. I couldn't recommend it enough. The owners - Ruud and Jac have personalised the cottages in a way that is not only trendy and luxurious, but also warm and friendly. Perhaps even more inspiring is the eco features they have introduced; nappie recycling, eco paints, wood stoves and wood chip burner providing all the hot water.

Mazzard Farm is great for families with young children. Ours particularly enjoyed playing with the toys and ride-ons in the safety of the large, enclosed courtyard, jumping on the trampoline and climbing on the fabulous climbing frame. The accommodation is cosy and clean with all mod cons. The hosts are very accommodating and will do everything possible to ensure you enjoy your stay at Mazzard Farm. There is plenty to do in the surrounding area to keep the kids entertained. We had a lovely meal out one night and there seems to be plenty of great eating places close by.

Onze Mazzard Farm holiday was een geweldige periode. De omgeving is erg mooi en de bevolking is uitermate vriendelijk. de Cottage (Damson) was erg mooi, alles wat je nodig hebt is ruimschoots aanwezig. Mocht je toch nog iets te kortkomen staat de gastfamilie (Ruud en Jacqueline) je vriendelijk en bereidwillig te hulp. De huisjes zijn zo goed als nieuw, wij zaten er bij wijze van spreken mooier bij dan ons eigen huis. In de omgeving is meer dan genoeg voor een ieder te doen. Ook de reis vanuit Nederland is erg handig, zeker als je met kinderen gaat.

Kortom het is gezellig, kleinschalig, knus en erg leuk!! [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

Our 2 year old daughter had the time of her life. She made some friends at Mazzard Farm and did 2 hours of trampolining a day. The only drawback was that she wanted to go back to the farm instead of exploring Devon. Accommodation very nice. Beautiful grounds.

Thanks to Ruud and Jacqueline for a fantastic holiday. Super accommodation in a fantastic location surrounded by wonderful countryside and yet so many attractions within easy reach. It was a shame to leave but we will return!

We stayed for fours nights in one of the smaller cottages which was very nice and had everything we needed for a very enjoyable holiday. The beds were comfortable and the sheets were really nice. Our host made us feel very welcome and was there for anything we needed but we also felt private and left to ourselves to relax. The children loved the grounds, our boys are 8 and 10 and were free to play. Plenty of toys and bikes to play on. The walks from the cottages are wonderful and the views are beautiful. As our children are a little older we were able to give them a lot of freedom, I think people with younger children would need to watch their children a little closer as their isn't a gate from the grounds to the lane (maybe 5 cars a day pass by) and there is a seasonal stream and lovely woods. I would say the grounds make the place so beautiful and wouldn't view it as a negative. It is like having your own personal playground. We have stayed in many places across the UK and felt this was a very special place. It's lovely when you meet someone who is passionate about what they do and really cares about your enjoyment. Everything in our cottage worked and was of a high standard. I would recommend it to my family and friends.

A wonderful place to stay with your young family - it is so well equipped for children. The owners Ruud and Jack have really thought through what families need in a holiday and they make you very welcome.

We travelled with a 2-year old and a 4-month old and were delighted to not have to pack a highchair, cot, stair gate, bed guard, potty, night lights and steriliser. All were ready and waiting in our cottage (and were in lovely, new condition - especially the cot). Bliss.

We stayed in Pippin cottage and loved being able to pull open the floor-to-ceiling doors and let our little one run directly onto the courtyard. He loved the scooter and other toys that Ruud and Jack leave out for the children. We made some nice friends as the courtyard is quite communal, although it's not intrusive. The weather was quite rainy but there was plenty to do - feeding the chickens and checking for eggs, playing on the trampoline and the slides, and walking in the woods. There is so much to see and do in East Devon but we found Mazzard Farm so relaxing that we spent most of our time here.

The cottages are beautifully decorated, the bath is deep (perfect for a real 'soak') and the beds and duvets are really inviting. We slept like logs all week! The kitchen is quite small but we felt, on balance, we didn't mind too much.

We had Indian head massages from Jack and both fell asleep, they were fab.

The laundry room was really useful if you're travelling with messy little ones. You can find a selection of toys, DVDs and books in there too.

On Ruud's advice, we found some great places to eat, and enjoyed a lot of local produce.

Overall, 10 out of 10. Pure relaxation.

We have just returned from a wonderful week at Mazzard Farm. We stayed in Pippin and felt that it catered for all our needs. Ruud had kindly packed away our shopping which was another nice piece of 'finishing'.

Our children immediately went off to explore the new surroundings and loved it. Feeding the chickens a daily highlight, plus stroking Mr Norris the local farm cat and of course the trampolining and making new friends.

The courtyard area is perfect - we were able to chat to other families without the feeling that you were on top of each other.

Mazzard Farm is also ideally placed for many days out - this was perfect as we were able to get back "home" in good time for the children to continue their love of the gardens.

The log burner was fantastic and means that you really can stay here at any time of year.

Although the weather was not as great as it could have been it made no difference to our stay. One afternoon the children donned their wellies and macs and headed out to run around like mad things.

We will be back next year to explore more of East Devon as there was just too much to pack into one week.

Thank you all for a great stay.

Jayne, Stuart, Francesca (6) and Charlie (3)

We left booking our holiday a bit late, so our family of five(2 adults, 3 girls aged 5, 3 1/2 and 2) stayed in the 2 bed Damson Cottage. We had a great week! Holidays with a large young family normally mean to me a 'change of scene' rather than an actual break, but we all had a great time and feel like we've been on holiday. The Cottage was lovely and was cosy with so many of us, but not too small. The grounds are beautiful and there is so much to do within a short distance that day trips were lots of fun. Thanks for a lovely time. xx

We stayed at Mazzard Farm in July, in the Russett Cottage for the week. Whilst we were there the weather wasn't the best, with 2 days rain. We found the cottage to be nicely furnished, comfortable, if a little too cosy in places, such as the bathroom. Our 2 boys liked the freedom to roam, we felt at ease to allow them to wander freely around the garden area. They made good use of the toys scattered around and we relaxed and unwound in the surroundings. To get the most of of the holiday, a car is essential, as the location of the farm is very remote and can only be reached by travelling along very narrow farm tracks/roads. In our view it's not safe to walk down them. In the local area, the highlights for us were Sidmouth beach (very picturesque and pretty town) and Pecorama (www.peco-uk.com). Don't be put off by the website for Pecorama, the place is wonderful with a great model railway, train rides, gardens and playgrounds. Our 2 boys loved it. The walk into Beer as well is worth a visit. [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

Great family friendly cottage - I've not stayed anywhere as good. The best holiday we've had.

We had a truly idyllic week at Mazzard Farm. For parents and children it is without doubt one of the best places we have stayed and we certainly intend to return. We travelled car-free and found that, while it is off the beaten track, it is still easy to get around if you make the effort and there are fantastic attractions (for adults and children) within half an hour's journey (walking, bike or by bus). Ruud and Jac were perfect hosts and were always ready with advice. The cottage was spacious and comfortable. The grounds were stunning. Eco credentials spot-on. We loved that we didn't really need to pack a thing for our toddler - it was all there on site. Really a place you can relax and get away from it all. One note - if you do intend to cycle around - it is very hilly!

Had a fantastic holiday. Our 2 year olds had a ball playing with the other children on all the play equipment and having the freedom and space to run around and explore.

Fantastically family-friendly place and would recommend to anyone with children. Ours are 3&1 and there was so much for them to do in the cottage grounds that I really think they would have been quite content not to go anywhere else! Hosts very friendly and helpful and must also recommend strongly the pampering treatments! Beautiful area with lots to do. It's a must!

Mazzard Farm is in an idyllic rural setting, complete with chickens, bluebell woods and orchard and as well as being stylishly renovated, the cottages and grounds are ideally suited to families. There is a great range of outdoor play equipment including trampoline, sandpit, plus the cottages are thoughtfully equipped for families.

We had high expectations of Mazzard Farm after reading the reviews and they were all lived up to! We were in Damson Cottage which is cosy but fine for 2 adults and a child. All finished to a high standard and great welcome from the hosts - they even put away the food we had delivered. Everyone very friendly and the outdoor play area excellent for the young children and a chance to meet others plus visiting cat. Laundry room good with loads of local information. Good location with lots to do, never mind the weather. Would definitely go back!

Mazzard Farm has tapped into the increasing popular niche of genuine child / baby / toddler friendly accommodations and holiday experience with style. Lovely cottages, modern / rustic - homely but with the trimmings of a 4/5 star hotel too. Ruud and Jac create a real 'home from home' feel, nothing is too much trouble. Our toddler loved the Chickens, trampoline and toys. Cots and sterliser etc all make a big difference on the packing mission!! The location is excellent, a country retreat - quite / calm and in the midst of nature but only 10 - 15 mins from the seaside and a few nice towns like Sidmouth. East Devon was not on our 'map' for a family holiday but a nice place to stay like Mazzard Farm will see us return for sure. There is good running and biking in the area too - lots of hills, so be prepared!!

Having just returned from Mazzard Farm we are already getting dates for our return journey next year! It is a perfect place for a family holiday wihch meets the needs of both inqusitive and energetic toddlers and parents who need a luxurious break away from the daily grind. Ruud and Jack were the perfect hosts and took great care in ensuring that we had all we needed for our stay; not just information and help regarding local places of interest but also little touches like homemade scones with clotted cream and homemade jam which were waiting for us in our cottage on arrival. Jack is a holistic therapist and was able to provide the three adults in our party with a range of relaxing treatments to soothe away our aches and strains. Everything that was promised ito child friendly equipment and toys etc was delivered. Our 19month old loved the chickens at Mazzard Farm and the space to run around safely with all the space and nature it has to offer..They plan to build a swimming pool in time for next year and this will only add to the exceptional facilities the farm has to offer.

I just wanted to drop you a line to say another huge thank you for making us so welcome when we visited Mazzard Farm last week (staying in Quarenden and Damson) . The facilities were outstanding and perfect for our group of 7 adults and 3 under 3s.

The flexibility you provided regarding my Mum's party and allowing external guests made a huge difference - the guests were really impressed by the cottages as well. We all had a brilliant weekend, the children loved the grounds and equipment and my Mum was absolutely thrilled with the whole event (including the head massage!). We left writing in the guest book to the last minute so didn't really do our experience justice so feel free to post this comment on the website!

Wishing you every success in the future

Andy, Laura, Charlie and Evie

The cottages are decorated to a very high standard and are very clean as they were only refurbished last year. Everything has been thoughtfully provided for your children, we took very little with us. The surrounding woodland and play areas are exceptional, I don't think the website does them full justice and the children were safe to roam around on their own, which was idyllic. This was one of the best self catering places we have been to. Thank you so much for a wonderful break.

Quite simply - perfect. Looked at hundreds of cottages for our first family holiday and couldn't of found a better choice. Child friendly and safe, Comfortable, relaxing, great location, will be recommending to all and look forward to our return visit.

If you have a very energetic one-year-old like we do, this is the place to go! Great, luxury cottages, two of which have French windows which open onto the courtyard so that you can keep your eyes on your little one while he/she plays with the fantastic toys on offer. We had a great week and I'm sure we'll be back because there are more than enough things to do at the farm for children of all ages. And if you do feel like venturing out, there are also plenty of places to visit in the vicinity. The treatments that Jack offers are super, I would certainly recommend them.

Excellent holiday cottage-simple design, new & clean interiors, hospitable owners on site, great children's toys & eco friendly too! We enjoyed sampling the local meat, eggs & apple cider-delicious! Our son was entertained by the chickens & the farm cat. It's a bit "off the beaten track" but well worth the tranquility when you finally find the place!

We have just come back from a long weekend at Mazzard farm which was a simply perfect location. As we arrived we saw a Children at Play sign in the courtyard and this set the scene for the family/child friendly environment at the farm. There are 2 play areas, a trampoline, goalposts, courtyard with access to bikes and toys and a field for running around. Feeding the 8 chickens provided a great deal of entertainment for the children and adults alike – I’m now sizing up some space in my garden for a couple. Cots, bed sides, high chairs and more were all provided.

I really felt like we had escaped the city and hustle and bustle of everyday life and were in the middle of nowhere but it is only 5 mins drive to Ottery St Mary where you can pick up all the provisions you need. Waking up to the vast array of birdsong and exploring nature and the surroundings with the kids was just so great and everything I wanted from a family break.

The accommodation was modern, clean, and comfortable. I would highly recommend Mazzard farm, especially for young families as all your needs are catered for. My wife and I have always said that we wouldn’t visit the same place twice but something tells me that Mazzard farm will be the exception.

We hired two cottages to sleep 10 for a hen weekend. The cottages were spotlessly clean and fully equipped to a very high standard. It was great to combine a hen do with a relaxing break - the farm and courtyard were also delightful. We all would love to come back soon! Many thanks to Ruud and Jack for making is feel so welcome. The neighbouring seaside town was great for a stroll along the coast, a spot of shopping and of course lunch.

We have just come back from a lovely week at Mazzard farm, where hosts Ruud, Jac & family made us feel quite at home.

As first timers in East Devon we wanted a central base from which to explore, the comforts of a hotel with the practicalities essential with young children. While first impressions were that the farm was a bit off the beaten track it proved to be a great central base… Exeter, Topsham, Lyme Regis, Sidmouth, Branscombe…. All a short car ride away……

Like many young families we don’t travel light! The facilities at Mazzard Farm made a huge difference to our packing…… cots, stairgates, toys etc and having a Tesco food delivery for our arrival help enormously!

The whole farm is geared towards a family & child friendly environment; the cottage (Medlar) was comfortable, clean and stylish with home comforts including WIFI, DVD player & TV … we also loved the underfloor heating!

With doors opening into the courtyard our 2 year old could safely escape every morning to feed the chickens that visited us or torment the cats that dared to get too close!

She loved the freedom to wander down the various play areas; enclosed trampoline, extensive climbing frame, large grass area with goal posts! And try out new toys, bikes, scooters everyday.

She very quickly made friends with children staying in the other cottages… and of course with the chickens! Which she insisted on cuddling and wanted to bring home! (I am still trying to convince my husband that we do not need chickens of our own!)

Holidaying with young children can sometimes be quite stressful, but ours loved the environment at Mazzard Farm which meant we had a relaxed break and felt like we had escaped the trappings of our everyday life.

We have already recommended Mazzard to all our friends with children.

Mazzard Farm makes an effort to be eco-friendly and baby-friendly and succeeds in both. A lovely cottage with modern rustic decor, useful little open plan kitchen for selfcatering, all the baby necessaries provided (cot, highchair) and lots of extras (ride-on toys, toys, kids dvds). Very friendly owners and great walks and day trips in the area. HIghly recommended, we hope to return with friends in the future

This is an absolutely A1 property. Decor is top notch and facilities such as kitchen and bathrooms (1 bath with shower over and 1 shower cubicle) are very high quality. Gorgeous oak floors throughout and lovely views over the farm's car free courtyard. Very clean and very comfortable. Would highly recommend. We have never been to the same place twice but have re-booked at Mazzard Farm for this year and cannot wait! Also I cannot fail to mention the warm and welcoming hospitality of our hosts, Ruud and Jacqueline.

We had a lovely holiday at Mazzard Farm in Quarenden Cottage. Our 18month old loved the chickens, trampoline and ride on toys and the location was fantastic with lots to do in the area.

Ruud and his wife were so hospitable, our shopping was unpacked when we arrived, a spice rack appeared when we asked and nothing was too much trouble. We also loved the scones which welcomed us when we arrived and the homemade lemon curd - we brought 2 jars.

We'd love to visit again!